7:07

On the road, Xia Songbai was still pondering how he would explain to Lian Sheng if he and Shen Zhao happened to run into each other.

Unexpectedly, Lian Sheng never showed up; his “I’ll come tonight” was merely a polite excuse.

At the Xia residence, when Wei Shuqin saw Shen Zhao, she smiled as if she had stumbled upon a mountain of gold, warmly inviting him to come inside.

In front of Xia Songbai, Shen Zhao was a gentle, warm-hearted man, but to outsiders, he carried the air of a wealthy heir—polite yet reserved as he courteously declined Wei Shuqin’s invitation.

Once Shen Zhao left, Wei Shuqin immediately asked Xia Songbai, “When did you get to know the Shen family?”

Xia Songbai, reluctant to answer, gave a perfunctory reply, “That day in Marseille, his car broke down on the roadside, so I helped out.”

Wei Shuqin expressed both satisfaction and regret: “It’s a pity you met Asheng first.”

For the first time, Xia Songbai found common ground with her.

—If only he had met Shen Zhao first, he wouldn’t have gotten entangled in that perfect romance between the lead characters.

Up to now, Xia Songbai’s plan was clear.

Besides winning over Shen Zhao, he also had to win over Shen Zhao’s second uncle, Shen Tingzong!

Too many couples had been thwarted by family opposition; to break off his engagement and be with Shen Zhao, Shen Tingzong’s approval was absolutely crucial.

If Xia Songbai’s progress with Shen Zhao was already at sixty-five percent—well above passing—then Shen Tingzong’s favor was still fluctuating between zero and ten, barely above a stranger’s level.

When it came to elders, Xia Songbai wasn’t inexperienced in currying favor.

A sweeter tongue, a more obedient attitude, a bit of filial respect...

Ahem, filial piety could be set aside; given Shen Second Uncle’s physique and appearance, he was hardly at an age to be doted on.

But being sweet-talking and well-behaved never hurt—who wouldn’t like a thoughtful, sensible niece-in-law?

Although his fever had subsided, Xia Songbai was still unwell. After a hot shower to wash off his sweat, he immediately lay back down without even eating, falling asleep at once.

When he woke, he found numerous messages on his phone.

Most were from Shen Zhao, all asking how he was feeling, whether he was better, and reminding him to eat on time.

The latest ones read:

[Z7]: “You should be waking up soon~”

[Z7]: “I ordered some porridge for you; remember to drink it when you wake.”

[Z7]: “*petting cat head.jpg*”

Xia Songbai’s lips curled slightly.

Dealing with Shen Zhao wasn’t difficult. Even before entering this story, Xia Songbai could have befriended someone like him.

As for the other WeChat messages...

Xia Songbai frowned and opened the chat with Lian Sheng.

Lian Sheng’s nickname had been set by the original owner, and Xia Songbai hadn’t changed it back, lest Lian Sheng get suspicious.

[?Sheng Bro?]: “How did you end up with Shen Zhao?”

[?Sheng Bro?]: “Have you forgotten who your fiancé is?”

[?Sheng Bro?]: “Not replying?”

[?Sheng Bro?]: “See you tonight.”

A restaurant link followed.

Xia Songbai rolled his eyes at Lian Sheng’s messages.

Not a single one asked about his health.

Those who knew they were engaged would understand; those who didn’t might think it was a boss grilling his subordinate.

Moreover, the restaurant Lian Sheng booked was an omakase spot specializing in pricey, high-end Japanese cuisine with a poor reputation for taste. Xia Songbai had been there once with Lian Sheng and had to eat instant noodles late at night afterward.

Taking a sick person to a cold meal—only Lian Sheng would think of that.

Xia Songbai scolded inwardly and only replied after finishing the porridge.

---

An assistant brought a cup of coffee, which Lian Sheng took as he saw Xia Songbai had finally messaged him.

Given the delay, Xia Songbai was certainly going to launch into a long explanation, as before. Whenever Lian Sheng was displeased, Xia Songbai would bombard him with countless messages, fearing to upset him, but Lian Sheng found it only more irritating.

Frowning, Lian Sheng opened the chat, only to find Xia Songbai had sent a single word: “Okay.”

That was it?

Lian Sheng scrolled up—only his messages appeared.

Xia Songbai had truly replied with just one word.

That instantly sparked Lian Sheng’s anger.

Back in Marseille, Xia Songbai had left abruptly, and Lian Sheng was scolded by Lian Runwen for an entire hour, questioned about why he canceled Xia Songbai’s spot without permission and why he hadn’t brought flowers to meet Shen Tingzong together.

After Lian Runwen’s scolding, Rong Lan also berated him, saying he chose his fiancée himself but couldn’t manage her, causing such a mess. If Xia Songbai hadn’t escaped, the Lian family would’ve lost face.

Lian Sheng was verbally attacked by his parents, who, despite arguing opposite points, focused entirely on Xia Songbai.

After enduring this, Rong Lan claimed his blood pressure was up and felt dizzy, insisting on going to the hospital. Lian Sheng had no choice but to accompany him, running errands. Doctors said Rong Lan’s symptoms were solely emotional; physically, he was fine.

Lian Sheng: ...

If anyone else treated him like this, he’d lose his temper, but facing Rong Lan, he dared not utter a word.

Yesterday, when he received Shen Zhao’s call, Lian Sheng had intended to visit Xia Songbai.

On one hand, Xia Songbai was his fiancée; it was inappropriate to ignore her illness. On the other, Lian Sheng felt Shen Zhao’s tone wasn’t friendly, and his warmth when mentioning Xia Songbai felt excessive.

She was his fiancée; even if he later rejected her, no one else was allowed near her.

Staring at his phone, Lian Sheng sensed something slipping beyond his control without his knowledge.

His secretary knocked and entered: “President Lian, someone’s here to see you.”

Lian Sheng snapped back to reality: “What’s the matter?”

“Seems related to Chonghe.”

Chonghe.

The Shen family’s company.

Lian Sheng’s eyes darkened as he rose and headed out.

The Lian family made their fortune in pharmaceuticals; their subsidiary, Rui Lan Medical, was a veteran in the industry and among the top in Asia. The company’s headquarters was in Central, with the CEO’s office at the very top floor.

As the next heir, Lian Sheng only held the manager title but could still take the CEO elevator directly.

Inside the office, Lian Runwen frowned at a report. Upon seeing Lian Sheng enter, he cut to the chase: “What are your thoughts on the cooperation with Chonghe?”

Before, Lian Runwen had kept Lian Sheng from getting involved directly, even hiding materials; only Lian Runwen knew the full situation.

Lian Sheng couldn’t use that as an excuse. After a moment’s reflection, he said, “Chonghe used to be a leader in biomedical research, but in recent years, they haven’t made much progress. As a multinational conglomerate, they spread themselves too thin. Compared to us, who focus deeply, they stand to gain more from cooperating with us.”

Lian Runwen replied, “Since you know they were once leaders, you should also know even a rotten ship has a few nails. Especially a giant like Chonghe.”

“So you mean, this time, they hold something we want?”

Lian Runwen handed over a document, which Lian Sheng quickly scanned. It was a project file from fourteen years ago, though incomplete—only detailing the project leader, with key content erased.

Lian Runwen explained, “Fourteen years ago, Chonghe was still led by Shen Tingjun. He pushed this project single-mindedly as a priority. If realized, it would have reshaped Chonghe’s five-year development plan. Unfortunately, Shen Tingjun had an accident and died, so the project was shelved.”

Lian Sheng: “Shen Tingjun really believed in this project?”

“Yes, the Shens’ judgment is never wrong.” Lian Runwen seemed hesitant but, after speaking, resolved firmly, “This project is essential for Rui Lan. You know we’ve been living off old achievements these years. Though important, we need breakthroughs to stay ahead. The company will eventually be in your hands; securing this project is planning for your future.”

Lian Sheng was stirred, replying loudly, “Yes, Father! I will do my utmost to make this cooperation happen!”

Lian Runwen smiled in approval: “By the way, Shen Tingzong seems to quite like Songbai. You chose a good fiancée. When you have time, bring Songbai with you to thank the Shen family.”

Lian Sheng’s expression stiffened.

He had planned to scold Xia Songbai tonight to keep him from getting cocky.

But now his father’s words implied he should win Xia Songbai over.

Noticing Lian Sheng’s mood, Lian Runwen frowned: “What’s wrong?”

Lian Sheng: “...Nothing.”

“Be nicer to Songbai,” Lian Runwen said coldly, “Don’t let me catch you getting emotional. There’s only one heir, but Asheng, you’re not my only son.”

---

At night, Xia Songbai reluctantly got into a car headed to the agreed restaurant.

The original owner would have left early to avoid being late, but Xia Songbai dawdled. Caught in rush hour traffic, he was over half an hour late.

Stepping out, Xia Songbai took a deep breath of freedom.

Near Victoria Harbour, the slightly salty sea breeze swirled. The city’s neon lights glittered like a jewel embedded along the coastline.

He really didn’t want to meet Lian Sheng—the tone he used sounded like an interrogation.

Xia Songbai wasn’t nervous, just felt it was a waste of time.

Time spent eating with him could be better used playing games.

At the restaurant, Xia Songbai found Lian Sheng had booked the entire place.

A waiter led him to a seat; Lian Sheng had arrived early and was sipping wine.

Xia Songbai barely noticed a slight frown, feeling a hint of danger.

Though Lian Sheng had never gotten drunk in front of him, he had the type to go wild after drinking.

Fortunately, upon seeing him, Lian Sheng immediately put down his glass: “Why so late?”

“Traffic was bad.”

Lian Sheng frowned, about to say, “If you knew it’d be congested, why not come earlier?” but held back. “Next time I’ll send someone to pick you up.”

Xia Songbai: ?

Was he possessed?

He was actually speaking like a normal person.

Lian Sheng asked again, “How’s your health?”

Xia Songbai: !

Wow, did Lian Sheng really change?

He actually cared!

His pupils flickered; his tone was light: “It’s okay.”

“Did you go out with Shen Zhao yesterday?”

“Yeah.”

His coldness made Lian Sheng’s brows furrow deeper, unable to hold back: “Are you giving me the cold shoulder? Do you know you’re already engaged and still casually going out with other men?”

Alright, confirmed.

He wasn’t possessed.

Still the same overly macho idiot.

Fortunately, Xia Songbai had anticipated his words and prepared a response.

Coolly, Xia Songbai asked, “What about you? You said you’d come see me yesterday—why didn’t you?”